Japanese Grand Prix 1988 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Ayrton Senna delivered one of Formula 1's greatest recovery drives at Suzuka's Japanese Grand Prix, clinching his first World Championship in the most dramatic fashion imaginable. The Brazilian stalled on the grid, dropping to 14th as the field streamed past, but carved back through with breathtaking pace that defied belief. He caught and passed teammate Alain Prost for the lead, eventually winning by 13 seconds in a performance that left the paddock stunned. Thierry Boutsen completed the podium for Benetton, but the race belonged entirely to Senna's genius.

The Japanese Grand Prix became one of motorsport's legendary performances, as Senna overcame the grid stall to clinch the championship through sheer speed and determination. Starting 14th, he passed car after car with moves that bordered on the impossible, demonstrating why many considered him the fastest driver in Formula 1 history. His pass on Prost for the lead was clinical, leaving the Frenchman with no answer to the Brazilian's superior pace. The victory gave Senna his first championship by 90 points to Prost's 87 under the best-11-results rule, with both drivers having won eight races each but Senna's consistency proving decisive. The title marked the beginning of Senna's era of dominance and established him as Formula 1's brightest star.